Iraqi PM Turns Focus on Second Political Rival

Having successfully harassed his vice president yesterday,
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki today refocused his anger on one of his deputies
and basically demoted him. The political attacks come just after the Iraqiya
bloc began a boycott of parliament that effectively shut
down the government. Meanwhile, at least nine Iraqis were
killed and 21 more were wounded. One of the attacks also left one Iranian
dead and two more injured.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki today turned his attention to
Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq. He accused the deputy of
administrative irregularities and barred him from participating in the council
of ministers. The charge comes only a day after Mutlaq called the premier a
dictator, and Maliki blamed
Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi for a recent bombing on parliament. Both Mutlaq
and Hashemi are Sunnis. Maliki is Shi’ite. An Iraqiya bloc MP said
the "demotion" was not carried out properly and will lead to more
sectarian tensions. Last year, Mutlaq was banned
from running in national elections for allegedly supporting the Ba’ath Party.

Hashemi, meanwhile, called
for the release of 10 associates, including a brother-in-law, who have been
arrested. Three of them who worked as bodyguards gave
confessions that were televised today. They claimed that Hashemi paid them
and forced them to go on missions. Earlier reports said that Maliki gave
Hashemi two days to prove his innocence; however, an Interior Ministry
spokesman said that an arrest
warrant has already been issued. Hashemi was also banned from leaving the
country, but managed to arrive in Iraqi Kurdistan last night. Rumors that he
fled to Ankara were denied.

On Friday, Hashemi’s Iraqiya party voted to boycott
parliament.The Iraqiya bloc also requested
that investigation be held in neutral Kurdistan.